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The healing art known as Nuad Boran (meaning “ancient massage”) has long been considered a doubles form of yoga, or even a combination
of tai chi for the practitioner and passive yoga for the recipient. It introduces deep relaxation
and increased energy flow through the body of both. This method uses acupressure, muscle stretching,
and joint manipulation to free tension stored in the tendons and ligaments of the recipient's body, and
at the same time provides a full meditative and physical workout for the masseuse.
Certain characteristic features of this work set it apart from the modern Western conception of massage.
Ancient Massage is performed on a mat on the floor rather than on a raised table. This allows for many
movements and procedures which are not practical or effective in other forms of massage. It allows the
practitioner to use body weight, rather than muscular force, for the transmission of pressure and
energy. |
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The work itself consists primarily of pressure on energy lines, and a large variety of stretching movements.
These are combined in a comprehensive strategy covering the whole body. The basic technique may be
performed in as little time as an hour, or it may be extended up to four and a half hours.
The energy lines utilized in Ancient Massage, called "sen," are reminiscent of the meridians
of Chinese acupuncture. The theory is similar, but while
the Chinese meridians follow the eneregy flow of specific organs, the Sen follow the form of the body.
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Ancient Massage recognizes 7,200 Sen lines which theoretically cover the entire body. They cross all of the Chinese
meridians, and they interconnect into 10 foundational junction lines. These ten lines are stimulated in the massage with pressure from the
hands, thumbs, elbows, and feet of the masseuse.
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The streching movements in Ancient Massage affect the entire body by increasing flexibility
and releasing both deep tension and surface tension. This helps the body to naturally heal
itself by allowing the energy to flow more freely through the network of energy lines on the body.
The effect of the stretching movements, in which the customer plays only a passive role,
is similar to the benefits of yoga. It is an opening of the body which leaves one feeling both
energized and relaxed at the same time.
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“Because soft tissue manipulation is a subordinate part of Ancient Massage, the client may remain fully
clothed. Lightweight clothing which allows free movement of the body is most suitable.”
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